Living with Risk. A global review of disaster reduction initiatives

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Living with Risk: A global review of disaster reduction initiatives
ment, technical agencies, NGOs, communities,
UN and other international
agencies. The strategy requires a serious
commitment to identify genuine
strengths and weaknesses, opportunities
and threats of National Societies as integrated
approaches of participation
should mirror the basic processes associated
with vulnerability and capacity
assessments.
It has proven important to identify what elements
and criteria are relevant for community-based disaster
preparedness and to consider the development
of a unified conceptual framework which
defines its role within the larger context of other
national programmes. Equally, there is a need for
better indicators of performance to indicate impact
even when disaster does not strike. Careful thinking
is necessary to consider a reliable funding
strategy to ensure sustainable commitments. The
The Benefits of Experience / National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
What worked well in community participation?
• Participatory rapid appraisals provide relevance, increase ownership, and motivate self-initiated projects
(Nepal: increased indigenous knowledge and confidence, unity of communities’ beliefs).
• Bridges the gap between relief and rehabilitation (Mozambique).
• Increases the number of volunteers – the formation of Red Cross community groups increase capacity
at the local level.
• As mitigation components increase, so does resilience at community level, encouraging partnership
processes.
• Action planning and identification of vulnerability become more problem oriented (India).
• The development of community disaster plans creates a more organized response, and become a unifying
force (Peru).
• Integrating community-based disaster preparedness with health programmes promotes development
and income generation, increasing resilience to disasters.
• Establishing networks with local government mobilizes leaders. (Community Based Self Reliance Programme
in Papua New Guinea, which is completely owned by the National Society.)
• Community originated empowerment supported by National Societies through moral support rather
than hardware, for example by encouraging the identification of risks by communities.
• Integrating disaster preparedness into health workshops merges similar programme interests and aids
cooperation within volunteer training of civil protection, ministry of health, and National Society
(Syria).
• Creating regional awareness for community action and promoting HIV/AIDS as global disaster and
health issue (North African Integrated Disaster Preparedness and Health Initiative).
What did not work well?
• Sometimes there was misunderstanding with local authorities, who saw the programme as a threat to
maintaining a culture of dependence by the local population.
• Inadequate capacities in the National Societies to support activities at the community level. However,
community-based disaster preparedness approaches progressively are resulting in increasing National
Society capacities at national, branch and community levels of activity.
• Poor planning processes in some areas.
• Insufficient efforts to ensure sustainability after initial funding period.
• Roles can sometimes clash with those of local authorities, especially in the absence of an inclusive planning
process.
• Lack of community-based disaster preparedness and management was a serious detriment in gaining
public response at local level (Turkey earthquake).
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